Port Clinton's Kessler familiar with trip to state

Port Clinton senior Jack Kessler qualified to state four years and earned all-Ohio status three times.

He's comfortable enough swimming in Canton that some championship nouns have become verbs.

"(Coach Dan) Diaz has been a great coach and has managed to get me there every year," Kessler said. "My goals for state are to break one more record, try to podium and really enjoy myself."

Kessler was second in the 100 freestyle in 48.31 seconds at districts Saturday at Bowling Green State University to earn an automatic nod to Thursday's state meet in Canton. He also advanced with a third-place finish in the 50 freestyle (21.67).

"Our district was super fast, but going automatic has been a goal of mine," Kessler said.

"I'm super happy for the girls relay to go," Kessler said. "We've all been swimming together since we were little kids and it's great that we can end our high school careers together. My sister going makes it extra special."

Krupp also moved on in the 50 freestyle (24.62). She's seeded 21 for state.